Equine First-Aid Kit for Minor Injuries and Acute Wound-Care

First-Aid Kit

Keep a well-stocked and comprehensive first-aid kit for wound care so you'll have everything on hand before and after your vet visits the next time your horse sustains an acute injury or gets a hoof abscess.

Photo: Kevin Thompson/The Horse

Antimicrobial Wound Spray

Antimicrobial wound spray is a topical solution used to prevent and manage infection of minor wounds and abrasions and promote healing.

Photo: Kevin Thompson/The Horse

Eye Irrigation Solution

Eye irrigation solution is used to bathe and cleanse the eye, which can relieve discomfort, itching, stinging, and burning.

Brown Gauze

Self-Adhering Wrap

Self-adhering wrap sticks to itself but not to other surfaces--including a horse’s hair coat--and doesn’t stretch once in place, which makes it ideal for securing bandaging materials.

Photo: Kevin Thompson/The Horse

Telfa Non-Adherent Pads

Used as a dressing, Telfa non-adherent pads won’t stick to wounds.

Photo: Kevin Thompson/The Horse

Sterile Combine Rolls

Sterile combine rolls, made of cotton, offer a protective layer to bandages and are highly absorbent.

Photo: Kevin Thompson/The Horse

Gauze Pads

Package gauze pads are used for dressing wounds.

Photo: Kevin Thompson/The Horse

Poultice

Poultice helps draw out inflammation and infection and is especially useful for hoof abscesses. The pictured product, Animalintex, is a dry pad that is saturated with water before use. A variety of poultices are available, many wet.

Photo: Kevin Thompson/The Horse

Duct Tape

A versatile and durable adhesive, duct tape makes an excellent final protective layer for hoof bandages.

Photo: Kevin Thompson/The Horse

Elastikon

Elastikon is a porous elastic adhesive tape that allows skin to breathe and stretches around uneven surfaces--think knees, hocks, and hooves.

Photo: Kevin Thompson/The Horse

Bandage Scissors

The blunt tips and handle angle of bandage scissors are useful for safely removing disposable dressings and wraps.

Photo: Kevin Thompson/The Horse

Antimicrobial Bandage Roll

In addition to being highly absorbent dressings, antimicrobial bandages fight germs to treat and prevent infection.

Photo: Kevin Thompson/The Horse

Porous Tape

Porous tape that allows skin to breathe is used for securing bandages.